The Rugby World Cup is in full swing and I for one will enjoy the next six weeks. I sincerely hope that we see no serious injuries.
I have worked as a Rugby Club Doctor for over 20 years and have seen the game become ever faster and more physical. Rugby is a contact sport , thankfully serious injuries are rare, but can occur at any level of the game.
At the top level of the sport the players have the luxury of having doctors, physiotherapists and paramedics at every game and even some medical cover at training sessions. At lower levels of the game including school rugby there is usually little or no medical provision and it falls to coaches, teachers, officials, parents, spectators or even other players to provide first aid if required. Being able to do the right thing at the right time may well reduce the impact of any injury or even save a life. I would like to take this opportunity to urge anyone involved in rugby to undertake some form of first aid training. There are many excellent organisations that provide basic training for little cost, the Red Cross and St John’s of course, and World Rugby run their own training program which is a combination of 50% online training and 50% hands on training. It is inexpensive and takes little time to complete. Any course will emphasise the need to put your own safety first and to ensure that no further harm comes to the injured player.
The World Rugby course follows 5 basic principles.
Be a lifesaver. Ensure an injured player has an airway (A), is breathing (B) and has a circulation (C). If the is no airway then there will be no B or C. This is known widely as the ABC of resuscitation.
Think about neck injuries. An unconscious player has a neck injury until proved otherwise.
Training to prevent injury.
Recognising and dealing with concussion.
Preventing infection.
More information can be found on their website www.playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/firstaidinrugby
Enjoy the game !
Dr Roger Goulds
Dr Roger Goulds has over 30 years experience as a General Practitioner in both the NHS and private sector. He has also worked in health screening and is very keen on early diagnosis and disease prevention. He has a special interest in sports and musculoskeletal medicine and works with professional sports men and women.
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